Our Love Story: Hard to Guard Against the Sudden Love Strike

Chapter 725 - 696: Love in a Parallel Universe [018]

Sienna had a restless night. After finally falling asleep, she kept waking up, checking her phone to see if Simon Forrester had sent any messages or called her. Her concern made her dream of him repeatedly, resulting in a difficult night’s sleep.When she couldn’t sleep, she pondered Simon Forrester’s motives for rejecting her yet still inviting her out. She positioned herself in an objective and neutral mindset to analyze his psychology.

She thought perhaps Simon Forrester was afraid she would be too heartbroken after being rejected, so he wanted to comfort her. After all, he was such a kind person, surely he couldn’t bear to see someone sad because of him.

If they were meeting for this reason, that was acceptable. She could also take the opportunity to repay him for the meal and coffee she owed him, and then forget about each other.

After figuring it out, she was less resistant to meeting him and began to dress up. Even though she was rejected for her looks, she still had to dress up coolly, not allowing Simon Forrester to see her haggard appearance.

The weather today was gloomy, colder than yesterday, as if it were really going to snow.

After hesitating for a long time, Sienna took off the red cashmere scarf from her neck and replaced it with a black scarf that matched her khaki woolen coat.

At 10:55 AM, Simon Forrester called to say he had arrived.

She quickly grabbed her bag and went downstairs.

Quentin Thorne wasn’t at home, and Melinda Linton was preparing lunch. She greeted Melinda in the kitchen, put on her boots, and left.

The deep space gray sports car was parked outside the garden. Seeing that car, Sienna recalled her awkward first meeting with Simon Forrester, feeling melancholic inside.

Seeing her leave the courtyard, Simon hurriedly got out of the driver’s seat and walked around to the passenger side to open the car door for her.

After being rejected yesterday, facing Simon Forrester today made her feel both embarrassed and shy. She didn’t dare to look at him, bowed her head, and got into the passenger seat.

Simon fastened his seatbelt, glanced at her, saw that she had also fastened her seatbelt, smiled briefly, and started the car.

As the car exited the old villa district, he asked, "What would you like for lunch?"

She wasn’t in the mood to think about it and quietly replied, "You decide."

"How about we go to Jadeston Lights?" Simon laughed, "And have a drink after lunch."

"Alright."

The sports car merged onto the suburban highway, speeding towards Founders’ Gate.

At a red light, Simon turned to look at her: "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Not bad," she replied softly, her eyes downcast, focusing on her hands clasped on her lap, and casually asked back, "And you?"

He smiled and shook his head, "I barely slept all night."

A strange emotion magnified in her heart. She forced herself to act nonchalant: "Why?"

"Thinking about the girl I like."

"..."

His words, like a thunderbolt on a sunny day, shattered her last piece of dignity.

She bit her lip, looked out the window, and tears flowed silently down her cheeks, her hands twisting until her knuckles turned white.

He really likes someone else, which is why he refused her confession.

Even though she understood that Simon Forrester inevitably had and would have other women in his past and future, hearing it from his own mouth still felt like a piece of her heart was being gouged out.

So sad...

-

By the time the car reached Founders’ Gate, Sienna had no more tears left to cry.

On the way, Simon occasionally chatted with her and cracked jokes to amuse her, but she couldn’t laugh or respond. She just stared blankly at the scenery outside the window, letting her tears run dry.

Jadeston Lights is on the 66th floor of The Park Hyatt Hotel, offering a great view as it’s the highest restaurant in Jadeston, with a bar on the 65th floor.

Simon Forrester appeared to be a regular; even before they entered the restaurant, the waiter at the door eagerly greeted him, calling him "Mr. Forrester", and someone personally led them to the restaurant’s best view.

Sitting by the northern floor-to-ceiling window, you could see Zenith Tower, the CCTV Tower, and The Citadel Tower.

Unfortunately, the sky was gray today, making it hard to see far.

Sienna’s mood matched the dull weather. After sitting in the seat Simon pulled out for her, her gaze drifted outside the window.

Simon looked at the menu and smiled as he asked her, "What would you like to eat?"

"You order for me."

"Anything you don’t eat?"

"No."

Simon nodded, glanced over the menu quickly, and ordered a chocolate Wagyu, black pepper lobster, crispy tiger grouper, salad, hazelnut lemon aloe vera, and white corn soup.

After the waiter left with the menu, Simon smiled, "Let’s start with these, we can try other things next time."

Next time?

Sienna shifted her gaze to him, "So you’re paying for today again, right?"

He smiled but didn’t answer.

Sienna was a bit annoyed. She didn’t know what Simon Forrester was up to, nor did she have the courage to ask if he intended to flirt with her, so she just bottled it up, looking unhappy.

The service in the restaurant was a bit slow, and she spent the whole time gazing out the window. But the scenery wasn’t that special. She was in a bad mood, and nothing seemed pleasing to her eyes.

Simon introduced the particularly prominent buildings in view. She barely responded, only replying with "Mmm" and "Oh".

Later, the dishes were gradually served. Simon ate in silence, and the initially awkward silence became natural due to his habit. She felt less out of place.

Midway through, she went to the restroom and tried to settle the bill at the service counter, only to be told that Simon had already paid. She couldn’t fathom how he did it since he hadn’t left her sight.

.

After lunch, at half-past noon, Simon took Sienna to the bar on the 65th floor.

The bar was dimly lit, with little candles flickering, even during the day, giving it a romantic atmosphere. Opposite the jade bar counter was a wall full of wine cabinets, showcasing a variety of top-notch wines and champagnes. Amidst the candlelight and faint scent of wine, a band was playing jazz music.

It was a place that could relax one’s emotions.

Sienna took a deep breath and followed Simon to a seat by the window.

The bar wasn’t crowded, perhaps because it was the afternoon. At least in their corner, no one disturbed them. It was quiet, suitable for conversation.

The waiter came to take their order, and Simon asked her what she’d like to drink. She said, "Lemon water."

Simon smiled slightly, ordered lemon water for her, and for himself, a glass of Silverwood Cellars red.

The waiter asked if he needed a cigar. He glanced at Sienna and said, "No."

So, he smoked?

But she had never seen him smoke, nor smelled any smoke on him.

Feeling that staying silent was a waste in such an environment, she murmured, "Why don’t you smoke? I’ve never seen you smoke before."

"Secondhand smoke isn’t good for you." He smiled, gazing deeply at her.

From his angle, he could see her long, curling lashes and even the fine hairs on her pink cheeks clearly.

At that moment, she was like a juicy peach...

He couldn’t wait to take a bite.

She lifted her face to glance at him, whispering, "Once or twice doesn’t matter, don’t worry too much about it. Do what makes you happy."

After all, I won’t have the chance to inhale your secondhand smoke in the future. Just this once, as a memento.

Sigh.

The red wine arrived, a five-thousand-dollar half-glass, sitting quietly on the coaster as if it were just for show. Simon didn’t drink a single sip.

Sienna didn’t ask much, her eyes unfocused as she gazed at the hazy gray sky in the distance.

She didn’t know how long this state lasted until...

The man’s hand, resting under the table, gently grasped hers. His thumb stroked the skin on the back of her hand, then, holding on, interlocking their fingers, tightening gradually...